Roanoke, Virginia – Winter storm chances are increasing across the Appalachian region, with snow probabilities now ranging from 20% to 50% as a developing East Coast storm interacts with colder air between 7 p.m. Friday and 7 p.m. Monday.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, a strengthening coastal low is expected to develop along the Southeast coast Saturday before moving northward offshore Sunday. While the primary storm center is forecast to remain east of the mountains, colder air spilling southward and upslope flow are increasing the likelihood of snow across higher elevations of the Appalachians.
The highest probabilities, between 40% and 50%, are focused across portions of the central and southern Appalachians, including western Virginia, eastern West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, western North Carolina, and eastern Tennessee. Lower but increasing chances extend northward into the northern Appalachians, including western Maryland and southern Pennsylvania.
Snow potential is greatest along and west of major travel corridors such as Interstate 81, Interstate 77, and U.S. Route 460, where elevation-enhanced snowfall could develop, particularly late Saturday into Sunday. Even light to moderate accumulations could create hazardous driving conditions on mountain roads, passes, and untreated secondary highways.
Forecasters note that confidence is growing, especially for higher elevations, though uncertainty remains regarding exact snowfall amounts and how far downslope snow may extend into adjacent valleys. Stronger winds could also lead to reduced visibility and localized blowing snow in exposed areas.
Residents in mountainous communities are encouraged to monitor official forecasts and prepare for changing travel conditions. Weekend travelers, outdoor workers, and students across the Appalachian region should plan for possible delays as winter weather chances continue to increase.
